Great parks and open spaces that offer both passive enjoyment and the cultural and entertainment offerings sought by today's urban parks user are a top priority for the City of Austin as it plans for the continued growth and vitality of its downtown. As part of HR&A's ongoing contribution to Austin's downtown planning efforts, the firm recently helped to develop a transformative master plan for Austin's downtown parks. The plan builds on HR&A’s innovative implementation and financing strategies that have been adopted across North America, and will enhance livability in a way that respects Austin's history and culture and serves as a catalyst for redevelopment and revitalization.
HR&A recommended strategies to maximize public revenues from concessions, events and fees, as well as ways to leverage supplemental funding and management resources through collaborations with public-private and non-profit entities, such as business improvement districts, a redevelopment authority, and/or a conservancy. HR&A worked with the City of Austin and the many interested stakeholders to identify priority park projects that will have the greatest economic impact and generate momentum for future park renovations, including the new Waller Creek District at downtown’s eastern edge.
